Newsletters

Our alumni weekend has come and gone for another year. It was once again encouraging to see and hear from the current students and fellow alumni-what they are learning, their plans for the future and what they hope to see God do in their lives. We had some intentional time set for the various groups from similar eras of schooling to meet with each other and share about God's current work in our lives. While we as the committee do have some considerations to work through for where these groups meet, I think it was a good time of intentional connection. During our Reconnect meeting, we were able to make some changes to our alumni constitution to incorporate NBC Board members who have served for at least one year to now be officially recognized as Associate Alumni. So, we now welcome into our number those that have not had the privilege of attending as students, but have still been serving the school in a very meaningful way. Welcome.

We also voted in two new members of the Executive Committee. I want to thank Timothy Block ('14) and Melisa Willson ('93) for completing their term of service and welcome Raija Liisa Larson ('08) and Ben Hoess ('16) to the team.

The 2025 Alumnus of the Year awards were also presented during the Reconnect meeting. The Distinguished Service Toward NBC award was presented to Doug & Tina Kroeker ('96). And the Distinguished Faithfulness in Ministry was given to Sam and Pauline Doerksen ('87). You can read more about these awards and both couples' faithful ministry on the NBC website: https://nipawin.org/alumnus-of-the-year/.

We voted on four projects that were presented, with the top vote going towards sound treatment for the gym. Currently, the quality of sound in the gym does not make for an ideal place to host the large events like Doxa (formerly three60five) or Cantata, so the sound treatment should see improvement for these events. During the weekend we raised $8551.00 towards the project. Through additional funds that came after we should be able to complete the other three projects (which had a three-way tie of votes!): Installing a bathroom in the shop, purchasing new audio/visual equipment, and a land plane for grading the roads.

The music was provided by Josh Bondoc ('17, staff) and his team at the Sunday morning service as well as worship night which also included testimonies from students and alumni. Both events gave a chance for us to worship together. We were encouraged to think about the words that we were singing and make them into an honest declaration to God. We also got to hear from Dean Block (past board chairman) who spoke on Sunday.

There is still much for me to learn and improve upon while leading our committee, but you have shown me grace and patience as I continue to serve in the role as Alumni Committee president. In this next year I want to be even more prepared with accurate information, clear and easy to understand slides for the Reconnect meeting and a thorough understanding of what is going on, when and why. Plus, there is also much more I can learn about making a good dessert, though the pie to the face is something I am very willing to endure (whipped cream is quite tasty!).

I am looking forward to working with our new team to plan another weekend for 2026. God's plans are good and I am continually humbled by the fact that He lets me be a part of them. He has great plans for each of you as well. I look forward to hearing about it, perhaps even in person at NBC. Have a great year and God bless.

Joshua Nickel
Alumni President
joshua_a_nickel@yahoo.ca